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In a move that will probably to spark some excitement among Patriots fans, Malik Cunningham, the versatile quarterback/wide receiver, has landed a three-year deal on the active roster.
Cunningham, who turned heads with his performance during the preseason, is now a permanent addition to the Patriots‘ roster, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
Rather than an elevation, Malik Cunningham is being signed to the 53-man roster with a three-year deal, source said. https://t.co/4laeepzref
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 14, 2023
This isn’t just a casual roster change; it’s a statement by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. He’s putting his money where his mouth after talking up Cunningham during the week and could be giving him a real shot at making a difference on the field.
Cunningham’s ability to fill various roles is what makes him so intriguing. He can handle the quarterback position, take snaps as a wide receiver, contribute on special teams, and maybe line up at running back. It’s a similar strategy to what the Saints have done with Taysom Hill, and we all know how that’s worked out.
MALIK CUNNINGHAM JUKES A GUY OUT OF HIS SHOES AND POUNDS IT INTO THE END ZONE FOR THE SCORE! pic.twitter.com/p6T5tce99B
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) August 11, 2023
The Patriots’ offense truly awful this season, with Belichick suffering the two most lopsided losses of his career in the last couple of weeks, falling to the Cowboys and the Saints by a whopping combined score of 72-3.
Suffice it to say, the coach is itching to see some sparks fly, and Cunningham might just be the firecracker he’s been waiting for.
Next up for the Patriots is a showdown with the Raiders in Week 6. It’ll be interesting to see if Cunningham’s addition can help ignite New England’s offense.